Galaxy S26 FE - good price smartphone with 'high-end' AI
Galaxy S26 FE - good price smartphone with 'high-end' AI
Galaxy S26 FE was announced in Vietnam on August 27, at the same time as the international market. The product costs from 19 million, 2.3 million VND higher than the previous generation. Price increases are becoming a trend due to the memory chip crisis. However, in reality, users can buy the product cheaper than the company announced. On e-commerce platforms, Samsung sells the S26 FE series from 15.04 million VND.
The device has almost no change in design compared to the previous generation, keeping a minimalist style with two flat glass sides, lightly rounded edges and a camera cluster placed vertically on the back. The difference is that the lenses are in a camera island instead of separate like before. 7.4 mm thinness and moderate weight help you feel comfortable holding it for a long time without tiring your hands. The device still maintains the IP68 dust and water resistance level, sold in Vietnam in three colors: mint green, gray and purple.
Galaxy S26 FE was announced in Vietnam on August 27, at the same time as the international market. The product costs from 19 million, 2.3 million VND higher than the previous generation. Price increases are becoming a trend due to the memory chip crisis. However, in reality, users can buy the product cheaper than the company announced. On e-commerce platforms, Samsung sells the S26 FE series from 15.04 million VND.
The device has almost no change in design compared to the previous generation, keeping a minimalist style with two flat glass sides, lightly rounded edges and a camera cluster placed vertically on the back. The difference is that the lenses are in a camera island instead of separate like before. 7.4 mm thinness and moderate weight help you feel comfortable holding it for a long time without tiring your hands. The device still maintains the IP68 dust and water resistance level, sold in Vietnam in three colors: mint green, gray and purple.
The screen has not changed in parameters, with Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.7 inches in size, Full HD + resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. Hands-on experience shows that the screen is brilliant, has deep contrast and high brightness, enough for clear use under strong sunlight. Sensitivity and smooth transitions thanks to high scanning frequency. Unfortunately, the front screen border is still a bit thick compared to the standard Galaxy S series.
The screen has not changed in parameters, with Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.7 inches in size, Full HD + resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. Hands-on experience shows that the screen is brilliant, has deep contrast and high brightness, enough for clear use under strong sunlight. Sensitivity and smooth transitions thanks to high scanning frequency. Unfortunately, the front screen border is still a bit thick compared to the standard Galaxy S series.
The rear camera system retains the same hardware specifications including 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP super wide angle and 8 MP telephoto lens. Photos taken in well-lit conditions have good details and bright colors typical of Samsung. Instead of upgrading hardware, the device focuses on software with new AI image processing algorithms such as Horizon Lock or Audio Eraser when recording video, helping to stabilize footage and filter noise more effectively.
The rear camera system retains the same hardware specifications including 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP super wide angle and 8 MP telephoto lens. Photos taken in well-lit conditions have good details and bright colors typical of Samsung. Instead of upgrading hardware, the device focuses on software with new AI image processing algorithms such as Horizon Lock or Audio Eraser when recording video, helping to stabilize footage and filter noise more effectively.
The highlight of the product is the software, as Galaxy S26 FE users are still equipped with the full Galaxy AI tool package like the standard S26 series, such as Photo Assist that supports image editing with commands, Live Translate and Interpreter help translate two-way calls and live conversations in real time without a network connection, Note Assist and Chat Assist summarize long text, automatically correct spelling errors and suggest appropriate style on the Messages app as well as Samsung Notes.
Even though the AI toolkit is the same, the difference in RAM and NPU hardware between the S26 FE and S26 still creates certain differences in the actual experience.
The highlight of the product is the software, as Galaxy S26 FE users are still equipped with the full Galaxy AI tool package like the standard S26 series, such as Photo Assist that supports image editing with commands, Live Translate and Interpreter help translate two-way calls and live conversations in real time without a network connection, Note Assist and Chat Assist summarize long text, automatically correct spelling errors and suggest appropriate style on the Messages app as well as Samsung Notes.
Even though the AI toolkit is the same, the difference in RAM and NPU hardware between the S26 FE and S26 still creates certain differences in the actual experience.
The device integrates Exynos 2500 processor chip manufactured on 3 nm process, 8 GB RAM. Compared to the chip on the standard S26 version, the Exynos 2500 on the FE version is fine-tuned to optimize temperature and power consumption. S26 FE has two versions of internal memory 128 and 256 GB, there is no 512 GB version like the previous generation.
The device integrates Exynos 2500 processor chip manufactured on 3 nm process, 8 GB RAM. Compared to the chip on the standard S26 version, the Exynos 2500 on the FE version is fine-tuned to optimize temperature and power consumption. S26 FE has two versions of internal memory 128 and 256 GB, there is no 512 GB version like the previous generation.
Galaxy AI features are processed directly on the device through a fast NPU, without causing sudden overheating. The device is also capable of playing heavy games like Genshin Impact smoothly at medium graphics levels. However, when playing for long periods of time, the device heats up and slightly reduces the frame count to maintain stability.
Galaxy AI features are processed directly on the device through a fast NPU, without causing sudden overheating. The device is also capable of playing heavy games like Genshin Impact smoothly at medium graphics levels. However, when playing for long periods of time, the device heats up and slightly reduces the frame count to maintain stability.
The device still uses Samsung's highest 4,900 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging, which cannot compete with Chinese brands in terms of battery capacity and charging speed.
The Galaxy S26 FE is not a groundbreaking phone in terms of technology or design, but is a pragmatic choice for those looking for a device with a beautiful screen, long-term software support and a premium AI ecosystem at a significantly better price than standard flagships.
The device still uses Samsung's highest 4,900 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging, which cannot compete with Chinese brands in terms of battery capacity and charging speed.
The Galaxy S26 FE is not a groundbreaking phone in terms of technology or design, but is a pragmatic choice for those looking for a device with a beautiful screen, long-term software support and a premium AI ecosystem at a significantly better price than standard flagships.
The device still uses Samsung's highest 4,900 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging, which cannot compete with Chinese brands in terms of battery capacity and charging speed.
The Galaxy S26 FE is not a groundbreaking phone in terms of technology or design, but is a pragmatic choice for those looking for a device with a beautiful screen, long-term software support and a premium AI ecosystem at a significantly better price than standard flagships.
Huy Duc